Tom Cruise, Anne Hathaway join ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel for 2028 release
NXTbets Pro | Published On: August 29, 2026
Cruise sequel details
Tom Cruise is bringing “Days of Thunder” back to the big screen, and the sequel is set for release June 2, 2028. Cruise announced the project at Daytona International Speedway, tying the film to the racing world that powered the original movie. He will return as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, the role he played in the 1990 film that was loosely based on Tim Richmond. Nearly 40 years separate the two films, and the new one arrives with plenty of history behind it. The original “Days of Thunder” grossed $157.9 million against a $60 million budget, which helped turn it into a durable title in Cruise’s filmography. Plot details for the sequel remain limited, but the timing points to a clear revival rather than a simple continuation. The project also picked up momentum after the success of “F1,” which helped put racing films back in the spotlight and gave the sequel a stronger lane heading into production.
Hathaway joins cast
Anne Hathaway will co-star in the sequel as a team owner and engineer, adding another high-profile name to the project. Cruise marked the casting with a promotional image of himself and Hathaway on a NASCAR track, a move that signaled the film’s racing focus and the pairing at the center of the new story. Hathaway’s role gives the sequel a different angle from the original, which centered on Cruise’s young driver pushing through the world of stock-car racing. The new setup places her in a position of authority and technical expertise, which should give the film another layer beyond the cockpit. The casting also underscores how the sequel is building around recognizable talent rather than leaning only on nostalgia. Cruise remains the anchor, but Hathaway gives the film a second lead with real star power. That combination should matter for a title that already carries a known name and an established audience. The cast move also keeps the project moving forward at a time when racing stories have found renewed attention, giving the film a clearer identity before cameras roll.
Production and release
Jonathan Levine is directing the sequel, with Will Staples writing the script. Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper are producing, which keeps the film in the hands of experienced players who have handled large-scale commercial projects before. The sequel is slated to be shot for IMAX, and the theatrical rollout is set to be exclusive. Planned formats also include Dolby Cinema and 4DX, a sign that the studio is aiming for a premium theatrical experience rather than a wide mix of platforms. Those details point to a release strategy built around event presentation, which fits a film tied to racing speed and spectacle. The creative team has not shared plot details, so the focus remains on the talent, the format and the return to a property that already has a built-in audience. The original film’s box-office history gives the sequel a strong base, and the new version will try to connect that legacy to a modern moviegoing push.
